The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has partnered with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (FMIST) and Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST) to launch Sankore, a £1.9 million initiative designed to strengthen science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) in West Africa.
The initiative, which falls under the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP), is aimed at deepening collaboration between the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana while supporting key agreements such as the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy (2023-2027) and the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership signed in November 2024.
According to a statement released on Monday by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in Lagos, Sankore will work closely with stakeholders in Nigeria and Ghana to drive innovation-led economic growth.
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One of its primary objectives is to support the operationalization of Ghana’s National Research Fund (GNRF) and Nigeria’s National Research Fund (NRF), both of which serve as critical financial mechanisms for advancing research and technological development. Additionally, the initiative will help Nigeria establish its National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC), an institution expected to shape national research priorities, strengthen policies, and enhance Nigeria’s innovation landscape.
A major aspect of Sankore’s focus is the commercialization of research-driven solutions, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture and energy. The initiative seeks to unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses across the region by ensuring that scientific discoveries are effectively translated into viable market solutions.
In addition, Sankore aims to improve regulatory policies that govern innovation, ensuring better access to data for businesses, researchers, and policymakers. To further support governments and stakeholders, the initiative will also set up a Helpdesk that will provide expert guidance on ST&I-related issues, offering technical assistance to facilitate policy implementation and institutional capacity building.
During the official launch of the initiative in Abuja, key officials from the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana hailed Sankore as a transformative step towards economic diversification through innovation. Speaking at the event, the UK’s Head of Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, Ms. Susan Mshana, emphasized the significance of the partnership in strengthening the UK’s long-term relationship with West Africa.
“Sankore will strengthen the UK’s long-term partnership with West Africa, driving economic growth through innovation. By combining our expertise, we aim to boost job creation, economic diversification, and service delivery in Nigeria and Ghana,” She stated.
Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science & Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the initiative would position Ghana as a regional leader in scientific and technological advancement.
“The Sankore initiative will position Ghana as a regional hub for scientific and technological advancement. Innovation is key to building a strong economy, and through this partnership, we can ensure that our research and development efforts translate into tangible economic benefits for our people,” he said.
Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, also praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with the country’s broader goal of fostering homegrown innovation while leveraging international expertise.
He said: “Sankore aligns with our goal of promoting homegrown innovation while integrating global advancements. This partnership with the UK will accelerate Nigeria’s tech-driven economic progress. By strengthening our research and development ecosystem, we can ensure that scientific and technological advancements contribute meaningfully to national growth.”
The implementation of Sankore will be spearheaded by UNESCO and Results for Development (R4D), in collaboration with local and international partners. The initiative will run for 15 months, concluding in March 2026. Through its Multisectoral Regional Office for West Africa in Dakar, Senegal, along with its national offices in Abuja and Accra, UNESCO will coordinate efforts with national and regional stakeholders, including the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH).
The objective is to strengthen ST&I systems in both Nigeria and Ghana, ensuring that the program contributes meaningfully to national development priorities while advancing science in the interests of peace and sustainable growth.
Sankore comes at a time when Africa’s technology ecosystem is witnessing rapid expansion, attracting global interest due to its innovation potential. However, one of the persistent challenges facing the region is the ability to translate research into tangible economic outcomes. The initiative has the potential to unlock new opportunities for researchers, investors, and startups by reinforcing research funding mechanisms and establishing clear pathways for commercialization.
If successfully executed, Sankore could serve as a model for future collaborations between African nations and international partners, demonstrating that strategic investment in science and technology is essential for driving economic transformation.
